#[ I enjoyed writing this

[flipomatic]

A New Normal

Word Count: 2100

Summary: So Caitlyn took that moment, the one Vi so generously offered to her, to write another line on her paper before gently placing her left hand over Vi’s. A second later their fingers intertwined, fitting together exactly as they should be. Soon after Caitlyn could feel Vi’s head rest against her shoulder, nestling in place as she continued to work. For a few minutes, only the scratch of her pen broke the silence.

Vi being here like this, even late at night when she was crazy enough to get out of bed and work, was a change, a new normal that Caitlyn longed to continue.

Author Note: Spoilers for the end of Arcane. I have a lot of thoughts about the series, so I wanted to reflect on it just a bit. Kind of a character study of Caitlyn, but not deep enough to really be a proper character study.

___________________________________________________________

In theory, what was an itch? A temporary annoyance or distraction, something that could be remedied with a quick scratch. It was an urge that could easily be fixed.

But what if it couldn’t be, if the itch, like so much else, was beyond Caitlyn’s reach. Trapped behind the eye patch it lingered and waited for the worst moments to pounce.

Caitlyn opened her remaining eye slowly, blurrily looking up at the dark ceiling. Opening only one eye was still a strange feeling no matter how many times she did it. It also did nothing to relieve the burning itch beneath the surface of the other side, the desperate screaming of her skin as it slowly healed.

The doctor had told her, in no uncertain terms, that any dirt or contact with the injury could lead to an infection and even death. No matter how badly it seared at its peak—which it bloody did now—that feeling would pass. The only thing Caitlyn could do was wait.

Of course it picked the middle of the night to act up. Caitlyn turned her head to the side, towards the other occupant of her bed. Vi’s shoulders were barely visible against the dim streetlamp light from the window and even the vibrancy of her tousled hair was faded in the darkness. With each breath she took her form moved ever so slightly, rising and falling in the same repetitive motion. Caitlyn still marveled that they were both alive.

She would never forget Vi finding her in the medical tent after the battle, collapsing in her arms and sobbing for Jinx. When Vi calmed down enough to explain what happened, how Jinx had sacrificed herself to save her one last time, the weight of that action sent a chill down Caitlyn’s spine. The last time she’d talked to Jinx was at the jail cell, where Jinx asked Caitlyn to kill her. Now she was dead. News that would’ve once been a sign of victory was now the opposite. Caitlyn pulled Vi even closer, the tears from her right eye dripping onto Vi’s shoulder.

Later as she turned over a small monkey grenade head in her hand and looked through the Hextower blueprints, she’d had to reassess those feelings. The idea that Jinx could have escaped through the air ducts, a system she knew nearly as well as Caitlyn did, was a distinct possibility.

As she wondered where the ever-elusive Jinx could have gone, the itching behind her eyepatch finally began to subside. It eased from a raging torrent to a slightly more manageable thrum, still present but much more tolerable.

Caitlyn shifted her body and closed her eye once more, willing sleep to return to her. She breathed deeply, slowly, trying to push those thoughts from her mind.

They were replaced instead by other events of that day. The fighting at the gates stuck with her too, and not just because she lost her eye in the conflict. Teaming up with Mel to fight Ambessa, using her magic to finally overpower the woman who had always been and indomitable obstacle in her path. Caitlyn took all of her regrets over her past actions into the battle, wielded them with her spear. The sacrifice to take Ambessa down had been worth it.

As for others at the gate, the many who had died in the fight, Caitlyn preferred not to think about them. Despite that desire they continued to haunt her.

Opening her eye with a sigh and a grimace, she gave up on the battle with sleep. She slipped silently from the bed with practiced ease, feet moving gingerly against the cold floor. Vi didn’t so much as stir at the disturbance.

Caitlyn left her there to sleep, taking measured steps out of the bedroom and down the main stairs. She had walked this path thousands of times before, but seeing it with only one eye like this, her perspective skewed, made them feel foreign to her. That feeling stayed with her until she reached the library, where she lit a candle on the low table. Its glow illuminated the mountain of papers waiting for her.

If she couldn’t sleep, she might as well work.

The first pile of papers belonged to enforcer applicants, citizens who wanted to sign up after the battle. Caitlyn had started a new recruitment drive almost immediately, trying to fill the gaps left by the battle. Of course, none of those spaces could be completely filled. Each person left their own unique shaped hole behind.

But the patrol shifts still needed to be run, and for that applicants needed to be vetted. There was nobody left to do it besides Caitlyn.

She held the papers up one by one near the candle, reading through each person’s qualifications and combat experience. Most were from the topside, with only a few from the undercity. Even though that was expected, it was still disappointing to see. Things were changing slowly.

Of all the applications, there was also notably no application from Vi. Caitlyn had wondered if she would rejoin the enforcers but hadn’t pressured her or even asked her about it. It seemed she had her answer.

One by one Caitlyn sorted them into piles to review again the next day. Some would make fine enforcers while others, well, needed a bit more experience before signing up. Integrity was part of this process too, but it couldn’t be determined just from a piece of paper. No, the next phase would be in-person interviews. When would she have time to schedule those? Not this week unless she cancelled something else. The very thought made Caitlyn’s wounded eye twinge.

Once they were sorted, she set the applications aside. Beneath them the next task waited for her. Her fingers brushed over the edge of the top paper; for a moment she indulged the thought that maybe it would be better to work on something else.

That notion quickly passed, replaced by a steeling of her jaw. This was part of her job too, part of her responsibilities and irreparable failures.

The top page contained a list of names, those assigned to patrols before the attack. With a steady hand and a frown, Caitlyn started crossing names off the list. She crossed off Loris, who had helped nurse Vi back to health after trying to save Vander. Her pen continued to move, removing so many who had fallen, all of whom she had known.

When she reached Maddie’s name she paused. The tip of her pen tapped against the paper, once, then twice, before striking her name through as well.

There were so many questions she wanted to ask Maddie, words she had not been able to form in the last few moments of Maddie’s life. When did she betray her? Had she always been on Ambessa’s side? Caitlyn hadn’t exactly returned her feelings, but had those feelings even been real? It was pointless to wonder. To ask these questions of the dead would only result in cold silence.

Caitlyn continued her work.

At the end of the page she flipped to the next, to the actual schedule for patrol. Until they hired new enforcers, the hours would need to be severely cut in order to maintain the patrol routes.

It was during this process that Caitlyn heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching down the main staircase. They were accompanied by an adorable little yawn, one clearly stifled behind a hand.

Vi announced her entrance in her typical cheesy way. “It’s too early for breakfast, but I’m always hungry for cupcakes.” She sounded a little hoarse, as if she had just woken up.

“Very funny.” Caitlyn replied dryly, not even shifting her attention away from the paper. “I’m sorry for waking you.” She wrote a new time for one of the shifts, shortening it to try and make it fit with the new schedule.

“You didn’t.”

To her left, Caitlyn could hear the sound of the other chair being dragged along the ground. It would’ve been in her peripheral vision, if she had any remaining to speak of. Instead, she turned her head to watch as Vi moved the chair next to hers. The other woman collapsed heavily into the chair, likely still quite tired from not getting a full night of sleep. The light of the candle danced entrancingly across her face.

“What are you working on?” Vi asked, reminding Caitlyn that she was in fact supposed to be working and not staring.

She gestured towards the paper. “Just redoing some patrol shifts, we have to make do with a shortage for a while.”

“Ahh, right.” Vi rested her right hand on the arm of her chair as she leaned over to squint at the paper. She only got close enough to read it before pulling back, but her hand remained practically dangling over the edge. It was an invitation.

This wasn’t the first time Vi had invited Caitlyn like this, far from it in fact. In times of passion she often acted decisively, and she could flirt with the best of them, but in quiet moments like these things were different. At first Caitlyn thought it was hesitation, but she realized over time that wasn’t it. Rather, Vi patiently waited for her to be ready.

So Caitlyn took that moment, the one Vi so generously offered to her, to write another line on her paper before gently placing her left hand over Vi’s. A second later their fingers intertwined, fitting together exactly as they should be. Soon after Caitlyn could feel Vi’s head rest against her shoulder, nestling in place as she continued to work. For a few minutes, only the scratch of her pen broke the silence.

Vi being here like this, even late at night when she was crazy enough to get out of bed and work, was a change, a new normal that Caitlyn longed to continue.

“Oh, have you heard from the construction team?” Vi asked, as if she had just remembered something.

Caitlyn paused to think for a moment. “They’re still picking leadership for it, from what I last heard.” The council was putting together a crew to work on rebuilding from the battle, both in Piltover and the undercity.

“Then I still have a chance.” Vi’s hand shifted in Caitlyn’s. “I want to help out, to rebuild things rather than punch holes in them.” The words were practically whispered against Caitlyn’s collarbone, like a prayer for only her to hear.

Wanting to rebuild, Caitlyn understood that desire completely. This patrol schedule too, this was part of rebuilding. Was it really going to work with these changes? Shouldn’t she build it differently than before? The realization struck her that what she was doing now, it wasn’t going to work. She was falling into the same habits, the same patterns as before, but things had changed.

Vi was the one who showed her that. The schedule could wait just one more day for her to come up with a better plan. Caitlyn set the paper and pen down on the stack, turning her gaze to Vi.

“There’s no way they’d turn you away.”

Vi chuckled lowly in response. “We can only hope so.” She lifted her head to meet Caitlyn’s eye, with an unmistakable glimmer in her own. “I am one of the strongest people around you know.”

“Oh yes I am quite aware.” Caitlyn smiled softly, lifting one hand to slowly caress Vi’s cheek. She leaned in with the gesture, brushing their foreheads together. So many words lingered behind her lips, more thanks than she would ever be able to say, pleas to stay together forever, and three simple words of love that pressed desperately against her teeth.

Though those words clamored for release, it was too soon, too fresh. Just as Vi waited for her, Caitlyn waited patiently for Vi too.

In silence, Caitlyn closed the remaining distance between their lips. The kiss was short and sweet, intimate and yet just barely enough.

“Are you ready to go back to bed?” Caitlyn whispered as she pulled back.

“Are you?”

Caitlyn nodded and stood, pulling Vi with her to her feet. They blew out the candle and retreated together up the familiar steps, seen from this new and unfamiliar angle.

As Caitlyn settled back in bed with Vi, her injured eye still itched. Her brain still ran amok with thoughts of before and the battle and especially how to adapt to all of the changes ahead.

Caitlyn watched as Vi’s breathing evened out, her own eye sliding shut as she drifted towards slumber. Whatever the world threw at her, she knew she would face it with Vi at her side.

[3amfanfiction]

You wrote this about Simon: “At this lieutenant, already chewed up and spit out by the world. More scars than skin at this point. You wonder how many people only see the scars and not the shivering body underneath it, waiting for a soft touch.”

I’d LOVE to read more of this - i wanna be the one to offer him the soft touch he wants so badly, maaaan! He’s just so big n’ strong but i want to let him curl up against me while i pet him until he stops shivering

This came through at the perfect time. I had the desire to write but I was picking at all my wips half heartedly bc none of the them were what I wanted.

But this? This I wanted.

So thank you again and please enjoy 1.5k words of acclimatizing Simon to soft touches.

<33

Ask referencing this post.

~~~~

He scared you, the first time you saw him.

Not because of how big he was (tall, thick, muscular) or the look in his eyes (cold, dismissive, too watchful), not even because of the scars themselves (numerous, expansive, tragic).

It was because you knew any interaction would come across as a threat. He had that look in his eyes that said he'd seen the worst of what the world had to offer and he persisted through luck and spite equally. Now he was sat in front of you, too disciplined to let his skin shiver but hating being seen. Hating that you were looking.

When you met him it was through a friend of a friend sort of thing. One of your friends was seeing a Scottish boy and invited you out for drinks with them. You had no reason to say no so you found yourself sitting at a high-top doing your best not to bother the man sitting quietly to your right.

His gruff, Simon, during introductions was the only thing he had said in the last hour, content to sit quietly and watch. Almost outside of the group even though he was sitting at the same table. You made sure to include him when you were speaking to the group, your eyes darting to each person as you spoke, not leaving anyone out. But you made sure to never direct a hard question at him that required an answer. It was all, I bet you never have a problem seeing over the crowd. or I'll grab everyone a drink while I'm up or Sorry, I'll be out of your space in a moment, my jacket was getting a little warm.

He would look at you. Every time you spoke to him he wouldn't shy away from eye contact but that was where his involvement ended. Never a head nod or shake, never a verbal answer.

By the end of the night you were positive he didn't like you. He didn't dis-like you but he didn't like you, you were pretty sure. That was okay though. You'd done your best not to infringe on his space, not wanting to step on his toes. You thought you had done a good job all around and put it out of your mind, the interaction over and done with and no longer needing to be reviewed.

What you never realized was Simon's shoulders lowered a whole inch throughout the course of the night.

\\\

You called your friend out on the number of times she invited you to hang out with Johnny and Simon, flat out asking if she and Johnny were trying to set you and Simon up through subtle double-dating.

"No!" She leaned forward grabbing your hand, her eyes looking earnestly into yours, "I promise it's not like that. Johnny told me he's pretty much all Simon has. Well, their team is. So they're always together when they're home. I don't want Simon to feel like a third wheel or left out or anything."

And you believed her. This was one of her strong suits, always looking out for others. That's probably why you two got along so well, a pair of givers, the both of you. And she had a point. The idea of Simon sitting awkwardly with the other two as his only companions made something twist in your stomach. You didn't want that for him.

So you kept seeing Simon and you kept doing your best to give him space but include him at the same time. You were shocked the first day he spoke to you but the fact that it was a bad joke made a sort of perfect sense.

"What's the best way to carve wood?"

You looked over at him in shock that this was what he chose to break the ice with. At the same time you were delighted and you couldn't help but feel giddy at the prospect of Simon telling you a joke. A bad one by the sound of it.

"How?"

"Whittle by whittle."

"That was absolutely terrible."

He smiled to himself if his eye crinkles had anything to say about it. That giddy feeling bubbling up inside you was getting unsettlingly big right about now. You looked at the ground and bit your lip to keep from a cheesy grin of your own breaking out.

Before you knew it he had no problem speaking to you. While never particularly verbose, he would respond to comments directed towards him, offer his opinion if options were offered, and kept telling awful jokes.

You were hopelessly charmed.

You broke your own rules and reached for him first.

You were sat next to him on a bench, the sun setting and the evening air cooling further. He had told you another one of his god-awful jokes when you unthinkingly swatted out with your hand, brushing his arm. His muscles jumped and his arm tensed right before you made contact as if bracing for a hit. An involuntary reaction to someone reaching for him. It was a horrifying realization.

You sobered quickly and your chuckle died off awkwardly. You turned to face forward, looking out at the street, watching for any sign of your friend or Johnny who had stepped into the store for a quick moment leaving you and Simon to find a bench while you waited. You hoped that if you didn't draw attention to it then your faux pas would pass unmentioned.

You let out a relieved sigh when Simon continued with another comment, not taking your overstepping to heart. By the time the other two had rejoined you the whole situation was forgotten, water under the bridge. You didn't think of it again until it was the end of the night with everyone about to go their separate ways.

When you said goodbye to Simon he said it back, reaching out to brush his hand down your arm in return in almost the exact same spot as where you'd touched him earlier.

Your heart skipped a beat before picking up a double pace. You couldn't help but beam at him, a wide grin splitting your face even as he grunted and turned away, likely embarrassed by your show of emotion.

Today had been a good day after all.

You thought you had ruined it for a moment there, thankful when Simon seemed to brush past it. You hadn't expected him to reciprocate in the same manner though.

Maybe he really did like hanging out with you. You never doubted it for a second.

\\\

It took time–a slow steady build to where you ended up, curled up on the couch together with Simon laying on top of you. You both had your tops off to bask in a little skin-to-skin time.

You'd been together for a few months at this point and it was like night and day to compare him to the Simon you met all that time ago. This one couldn't keep his hands off you to save his life. It was a slow warm-up to get past his walls in a way that wasn't upsetting to either of you. Soft touches that slowly built, leading to hand holding, to hugging, to kissing, to this.

You dragged your fingers slowly up his back, fingertips catching on raised scar tissue before continuing on, ever moving. He hummed into the crook of your neck where he had buried his face when you switched from fingertips to nails, gently scratching the skin.

You loved spending time like this, feeling Simon melt into you, eager for every touch he could get. If you were sitting still and Simon was in the vicinity you could bet that he would be pressed against your side before too much time had passed. Eager for the soft caresses you always had for him.

He was starved for touch and you wanted to feed him.

So you offered, again and again in the beginning–most times with no luck, to let him touch you. On the couch watching TV? Your arms would open, inviting a hug when he walked by. At the table? Your head was tilting up for a kiss if he wanted one. Passing each other in the hallway? You'd raise your hand and hold it in front of you, letting him press his big barrel chest into your palm if he wanted.

It was a slow acclimatization that brought you to today and the taste was all the sweeter for the time you had poured into it.

You lifted a hand to drag it through the spiky hairs at the back of his head, enjoying his groan of contentment. It sounded like he was already halfway asleep and you knew you wouldn't be leaving this spot for a while.

Might as well settle in and get comfortable. You familiarized him to gentle touches, now he was insatiable for them. He would be consuming them from you greedily for as long as you offered.

[lightseoul]

you and me? really?

synopsis. mina and kirishima invite you to a night out. they conveniently forget to tell you it’s a double date. (part 2)

cw. gn!reader, gradstudent!reader, prohero!katsuki, aged-up (~23 yrs old), mina ashido x kirishima eijirou, fluff

word count. 1.7k words

Mina whines as you drag her into the bathroom of Kozue—the first red flag you should’ve noticed (who hosts a massive group hangout at an expensive ass restaurant?!)—but you’re far too angry to pay her any mind. She winces in disdain as you finally let her wrist go.

“Where’s everyone else?!” You whisper-shout.

“Uhh.. I might’ve left out a few details about this hangout.”

You can’t believe this girl. “No shit, Sherlock,” you sigh in exasperation. “Mina, you lied to me?”

Her eyes bug out in alarm, “I didn’t! I would never lie to you, you know that. As I said, I just omitted a few details.”

“Let me guess, like the fact that aside from you, me, and Eiji, the only other person attending is Bakugou?”

She lets out a squeak. Of guilt or excitement, you can’t tell.

You can’t help but roll your eyes, “Wipe that grin off your face. And you know he and I don’t really get along! And people can recognize you guys and think we’re on a double date. I barely even know the guy and his PR Team will be coming for my head tomorrow morning.”

“You don’t know that! You only met him once during the end of our patrol. He just gets extra snappy when he’s tired,” she giggles. “Oh, and don’t worry about the press. The chef owes Bakugou one—he offered to clear the restaurant just for tonight.”

You can’t believe your ears. Oh, to have the power and influence of a Pro Hero.

You shake your head in (another form of) disbelief, “So you’re not gonna say anything about you roping me into a double date?”

“Nope!” she exclaims cheerfully, turning her back to exit the bathroom. You follow suit, though unlike her, you’re not done with the conversation.

“How’d you guys manage to rope him into this, anyway?” You’d keep your voice down as you weave through the exquisitely prepped tables, but true to Mina’s word, there’s no one else around except Kirishima and Bakugou, who are seated at the far corner overlooking the city.

“Eiji used the same tactic,” she sing-songs. “He got annoyed earlier when he realized his predicament, but Eiji managed to talk him into staying. Said it would be cruel to leave you as our third wheel, or something.”

You chuckle despite yourself. Mina turns to grin at you.

“Right on.”

Turns out, dinner’s not half as bad as you thought it would be.

And regarding Bakugou? Well, the jury’s still out.

You can tell he’s barely fitting into the small chair beside you—which is actually regular-sized but dwarfs in comparison to his hulking figure—visibly uncomfortable.

He’s sporting a black long-sleeve, rolled up to his forearms, and slacks in light of the semi-formal dress code—the very code you panicked over earlier upon realizing that you didn’t have anything to wear. Luckily enough, you managed to dig out a good enough LBD, and opted to dress it up with some gold accessories you’ve had since college. And now you look even more like you’re on a date: matching colors and all. Great.

Kirishima, ever trusty Kirishima, just had to talk about your awkward situation among the group. (Which was incredibly unnecessary. Why not just ignore the elephant in the room?)

“We just missed the both of you!” he exclaims, while Mina, to his left, nods vigorously in agreement. “We haven’t caught up in a while. And, we figured we could be efficient and host a hangout instead—the four of us!”

Bakugou scoffs, looking away, “You guys are such a fuckin’ married couple already, with all that ‘we’ shit ya got going on. Makes me wanna gag.”

Your eyes widen in shock at his brazenness, but you can’t help but let out a stunned laugh.

His eyes flicker to yours at the sound. You could’ve sworn you saw the corners of his lips turn upward for a second before his infamous scowl took over his face again. Could’ve been amusement, but what’s that to you, right?

Mina pouts at his comment, while Kirishima only laughs wholeheartedly. Both brush it off, though, and you chalk it up to how they’ve gotten used to Bakugou’s bluntness after almost 10 years of seeing each other grow up.

“Anyway,” Mina interjects, “as we were saying, we missed you guys and also, thought both of you could use the company!”

“Ouch..?”

“The fuck is that supposed to mean?”

You turn to address Bakugou, whose eyebrows are so furrowed deep into a scowl you’ve half a mind to press a finger against it so he wouldn’t wrinkle so early. “I think they think we’re lonely.”

You look at the lovebirds, “But thanks, though. I appreciate the thought and your inviting us out. It’s been a while since I took the time off of grad school and working part-time at Manual’s. Though,” you spare Bakugou a glance, who eyes you curiously, “I’m pretty sure he can get all sorts of company if he wanted to.”

What’s meant to be a factual observation turned into a flirtatious comment the second Mina and Kirishima lit up, both piqued with interest. Suddenly, you’re regretting all the life decisions that led you to this moment.

“Oooh, what’s that supposed to mean?!” Mina exclaims, clearly delighted, while Kirishima’s eyes flicker between the both of you, wearing a shit-eating grin.

You can’t bring yourself to look at Bakugou.

“What?” you’re exasperated at this point, “I’m just saying,” you gesture vaguely to the guy in question, “Bakugou’s objectively attractive. The three of you are!”

“Uh-huh.”

“Yeah, sure.”

“I’m serious!” you spring to your feet, “Hell, your entire UA class is! Well, except for Mineta, I guess.”

You hear a suppressed bark of laughter to your left. Mina and Kirishima are cracking up now, too. Suddenly feeling self-conscious about getting all riled up over their teasing, you sat back down.

“I’m sure all of you have experience and can score just about anyone.” You finish your rant, glad you got to wrap it up nicely before the two could get even further with teasing you about Bakugou in front of Bakugou.

You hear him grunt in response and see him, through your periphery, look down at his fancy plate of Porcini Mushroom Velouté. Finally, someone who agrees. Though, weirdly enough, it didn’t feel as good as you thought it would..

“Sorry for teasing you, Y/N!” Kirishima laughs, albeit quite sheepishly.

Mina nods, “But really, though, we’re glad you could come. Both of you.”

“Has he texted you yet?!”

You look back at the course syllabus and mountains of textbooks stacked on your desk, and you can’t help but heave a heavy sigh, “Really? This is what you called and dragged me out of my deep work for?”

“Come on!” Mina always sounds so cheerful and perky, talking to her makes you feel like you’re not 5 seconds away from crashing and sleeping through what’s supposed to be a serious study night. “He hasn’t, has he?”

“Well,” you decide to indulge her, “No other man has texted me in the last 24 hours except my Uber driver, so I guess my answer to that is no?”

“Very funny, Y/N. Ha ha.”

You grin in amusement. Two can play at this game.

You can hear her mutter a soft curse at the other end of the line, “Damn that Bakugou! He’s sure taking his sweet old time. After all that trouble of getting him to accept your number.”

“Cut it off, Mina. You should’ve tricked someone else who could actually be a good match for him instead of me.”

“What?!” she actually sounded shocked, “I didn’t choose you because you were convenient!”

“Thanks,” you deadpanned.

“Y/N! Sure, tricking you into joining was convenient, because you are both my and Eiji’s best friend, though I don’t think I need to explain that.”

“Sure, go on.”

You can practically hear Mina roll her eyes, “FY fricken I, both Eiji and I think you and Bakugou are a great match. You’re both driven, smart, and no-nonsense individuals who think they’re too busy and grown for romance.”

“That honestly sounds like a recipe for disaster, Mina.”

“People like you think that! But trust me, once you find the one, romance doesn’t seem so bad after all!”

“It doesn’t matter,” you mumble. “The lack of texts says enough. He probably just doesn’t think I’m interesting. So cut it off, please?”

You should’ve known better than to expect Mina to let things go just like that.

“Didn’t you see how he reacted when you called him attractive? He got so embarrassed, all red in the neck and ears. Eiji and I couldn’t stop talking about it last night—we’ve rarely seen him like that.”

You huff in slight irritation (and embarrassment), “It’s because you guys wouldn’t stop teasing us. I’d be flustered too if my friends kept tormenting me like that.”

Mina cackles, “Well, you were the one that gave us classic material to work with.”

“I’m hanging up.”

“No, wait!”

You sigh for the nth time in this conversation, “I was busy trying to hype you up and convince all of you of your attractiveness, thank you very much. So no, I didn’t see his reaction.”

“Yeah, that was very kind of you,” Mina exhales wistfully. “Anyway, I’d dare say he even got disappointed when you started complimenting me and Eiji too!”

You could only hear a second of her high-pitched laugh before clicking the End Call button.

Normally, hanging up on your best friend would make you feel bad, no matter how angry or annoyed you were at her.

But this? This is an emergency.

You clutch your heart, which is now hammering at an alarmingly faster pace than normal.

Fuck, you think to yourself. You cannot be crushing on Bakugou Katsuki.

Before you can spiral and go into an I-can’t-have-a-crush-much-less-on-a-pro-hero-named-Bakugou-induced panic, your phone chimes, indicating a new text message.

You bring it up to eye level, and you can’t help but gawk when you finally see the message content.

Hey, it's Bakugou.

[withacapitalp]

Vanilla with Fresh Strawberries

written for ‘cake’ @steddiemicrofic wc: 311 | rated: T | cw: parental neglect

Steve's birthday cake is always vanilla with fresh strawberries.

It's always been vanilla with fresh strawberries, because that's what his mother ordered every year. And, once his mother started following his dad around the country, that's what Tommy and Carol remembered having, so that's what they got. Then, after Tommy and Carol dropped him, Robin somehow figured out that vanilla with fresh strawberries was Steve's normal birthday cake order, so she started to get that.

Vanilla with fresh strawberries from Joanie's bakery right in the middle of town. That was the routine. That was how it always had been.

And because that's the routine, because that's always been the routine, Steve feels justified in being confused when Eddie hands him a chocolate cupcake.

"Happy birthday, my darling," He crooned as he did, looking around discreetly before leaning over the counter of Family Video to press a quick kiss to Steve's cheek.

"What's this?"

"A cupcake?" Eddie replied, sounding just as confused as Steve.

"It's chocolate," Steve shot back, like that should explain everything.

"Yeah? It's your favorite," Eddie said casually, completely missing the way that Steve's eyes grew wide and his breath caught in his throat.

There were a lot of things Steve could have said at that moment. Things he could have said to Eddie

He could have told Eddie about his normal order. He could have told Eddie that he found out he was allergic to strawberries when he was eight, but no one else had noticed that he broke out in hives if he had anything with strawberries in it. He could have told Eddie what this single stupid cupcake meant to him, about the way his heart felt like it was going to burst out of his chest.

"Chocolate is my favorite," Steve said instead, taking a small bite and savoring the taste of actual, real, love.

[mqsi]

can you please do a pedri smut were they do dry humping first 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Anon, thank you for requesting this. I’m a sucker for this type of fics🤭

warning: smut

——————————————————————————

You were currently cuddling with Pedri in the living room, watching movies and munching on snacks.

“Babe I think I’ve lost my phone somewhere in this mess” Pedri announced, shuffling his hands trough blankets and candy wrappers.

You groaned, not wanting to get up to look for it “Maybe you left it on the table behind the couch”

“Can you check?” he asked,grinning. You rolled your eyes, lifting your head from his chest and looking towards the table. And the phone indeed was there.

“Pedro it’s there but pushed to the furthest corner, I can’t reach it without getting up” you replied ready to fall back into his arms before he spoke again

“Try to reach from the couch” he said making a cute face as a plead.

You rolled your eyes and stretched yourself above his head.

“I’m gonna kill you” you said, now placing your leg down further on the bed, straddling his lap in the process. Since you were reaching behind Pedri, your boobs were practically in his face. And not to mention you were wearing a baggy shirt without a bra. Pedri smiled into your shirt, hands going to your back, slowly carresing it.

“Seriously I can’t reach it” you said before being pushed down on his lap. Pedri’s hands were now kneeding your ass making you let out a breath.

“Thanks for the show” he said, one hand reaching under your shirt.

“What?” you asked confused but your thoughts were interrupted by his thumb brushing over your nipple.

“It was exciting” he continued “Let me show you my excitement” he said bucking up his hips. You let out a slight moan from feeling his clothed erection. You kissed him and started grinding your hips, providing the friction both of you now desperately needed.

“Pedri” you moaned before kissing him again. It was sloppy, you were moaning into each others mouth. Pedri’s hands were roaming your body the whole time, before disconnecting your lips and lifting your shirt so he can get a taste of your breasts. His tongue swirled over your sensitive nipples. His hands were on your hips,guiding you against his cock. You threw your head back, moaning in pleasure and tangling your fingers in his hair. You tugged on it, pressing Pedri’s face against your chest.

“Fuck bonita, you’re so fucking hot” he mumbled against your skin. His hands were back on your ass, kneading the flesh. You sped up your movements against his cock, feeling him leave breathy moans into your neck.

“Pedri I’m so close” you moaned.

He started bucking his hips up, lips back on you nipples, giving you the last push you needed. You crumbled down on him,feeling your juieces coat your underwear,staining your shorts as well.

“Babe, don’t stop now” Pedri demanded. His cheeks were red, hair messy, some strands sticking to a thin coat of sweat that formed on his forehead. You were already overstimulated but continued to grind against him.

“I’m gonna cum, fuck” Pedri moaned before spilling in his boxers, head thrown back on the bedframe. You fell against his chest, his hand carresing your waist. The only sound being your fast breathing, slowly coming down from your highs.

“Babe?” Pedri said weakly without moving his head.

“Yeah?”

“My phone is still on the table”

——————————————————————————

[sweetestofchaos]

Shinee’s reaction to...you pulling him in for a kiss by his belt

Backstory: In a rush, he forgets to kiss you goodbye Warnings: Kissing, Suggestive Scenes Rating: 18+ Genre: Fluff | Established Relationship

a/n: we need more shinee gifs! it was so hard to find any 😠

Minho

He is so confused seeing your sock clad feet in his line of sight as he pulls his shoes on. Standing up straight, he would look at you with those wide eyes and the moment you grab his belt, his eyes get even bigger. As you tug him forward, he huffs a laugh seeing the pout on your lips. He cups your face and kisses you deeply, pulling away with a laugh ‘cause now he doesn’t want to leave.

“Wae, wae, wae!” *see pout* “Oh, sorry baby.”

Jinki

He’s a giggling mess the moment your hand touches his belt. As much as he knows he has to leave, he can’t ignore that sweet face you’re making. He gladly let you pull him closer and rest his forehead against yours with a smile on his face. He kisses you sweetest, pecking your lips twice more before he pulls away to leave.

“Did I forget something, sweets? Sorry, now, give me a kiss.”

Kibum

He screams playfully as pull him closer and whines as you press him into the wall. Looking at you, he switches up quickly and smirks before he leans to peck your lips and nuzzles his nose against yours. He rests his forehead on yours as he boops your lips with a finger.

“Honey! Are you trying to make me late?”

Taemin

He tries to pull your hands away, licking his lips as he smiles while biting his lips. He knows you. He knows what’s going to happen if he kisses you now. He sees that look in your eyes and he can’t just walk away. No, you are his weakness and he loves it. He grabs your waist and nips at your lips, his eyes bright as he teases.

“I’m already running late and you want to make me later? You make me crazy!”

[scarrypossmscribs]

Hope your tests were good. Xavier fic please? Extra possessive?

[aaa cool my first request! :> sorry this took a bit I wuz trying to comb through the blog n get things right! Xavier is very underrated, i hope i captured his personality well] cw!Implied Kidnapping cw!Victim Blaming cw!Non-con Hugging [If I'm missing any comment it n I'll add it] Xavier belongs to @hotpinkmoon!!

Xavier stood still and silent. The sight of your precious face capturing his undivided attention.

He was alone with his thoughts, all jumbled and chaotic. He couldn't find it in himself to move away. Or allow himself to sit down.

He really shouldn't have- what the fuck was he thinking? Doing something as pathetic as this? But he just couldn't take it anymore. He really couldn't. Oh the things only you could do to him. He really didn't deserve you, did he? Flashing memories blotted his vision. Your coworkers constantly taking up the space around you. As if they deserved to be by your side. Deserved your precious attention. Something even he was self aware enough to know was too good for him. The fleeting touches. The subtle glances at you. The wary looks they gave him when he came near. All the things they must have been whispering to you about him. And how you didn't seem to notice the obvious scorn towards him, how they were trying to manipulate you. To bring the both of you apart. The rising fear that they might hurt you. It all coagulated together. Forming a sick, blistering poison in Xavier's heart. A suffocating pressure squeezing every last shred of rationality out of his husk of a body. A feeling he just couldn't push down any longer. He just couldn't let you go.

It's so selfish- He knows. The guilt burrowing into the marrow of his bones. But after everything... all of the loneliness. The isolation- Couldn't he just have this? Couldn't he have you? You so kind. Too kind for your own good, really. So precious, and patient, and oh so perfect- The first time Xavier had met you, your cheerful smile and clear eyes had captivated him instantly. But his heart was truly yours once you showed him what an open-minded and attentive person you were.

And he knew he didn't deserve you from that moment onward. Xavier looked down at your sleeping body, in his guest bed. Well... it was your bed now. He... he couldn't let you go after what he'd done. He hoped that you'd forgive him. No no no... he knew you'd forgive him. He was just protecting you after all. From the people who wanted to separate you from him, from the people who could hurt you, from this damned town full of untrustworthy snakes- Xavier would make it up to you. You'd see. He would spoil you with gifts, comfort you whenever you felt sad, provide you the warmth, care, and comfort you needed. He would give you his all. Cradling you in his arms; peppering soft, affectionate kisses on your forehead. Your heartbeats intertwined.

He just wanted you to stay here, with him, where you would be safe and happy.

Was that too much to ask for?

[ingo-ingoing-ingone]

Siblings don’t usually stick together, do they? Other people certainly seem to think not. Too bad Emmet and Ingo have never really cared much for normalcy.

Hi guys lol I was. Not expecting to write a oneshot tonight but I had the idea and today wasn't great so I wrote it anyways.

College submas, worried Ingo, and reassuring Emmet time :)

[spyborg-au-official]

i'm just imagining like blu engi trying to sneak into the red base using spyborg's gear that was left in his locker at blu but he doesn't know what he's doing and gets sent through respawn before he can reach spyborg ( i love angst)

writing something for this hold on. it might not be completely on par with what you had in mind, but I will try to write it out to the best of my ability.

mod

Daniel swallowed hard, he could feel his heart beating fast in his chest. he had been pacing around for hours after Scout told him the news.

Spy was alive.

the revelation was bitter-sweet; Having revealed something darker had been going on underneath their noses.

"a cyborg?" Engineer repeated.

the idea was almost absurd, and yet.. it had to have been the truth. it had to have been the reason why Spy was missing.

------------------

Daniel looked up to the night sky, each individual star shining brightly, and with vigor. He readjusted his goggles, and held tightly onto Spys unused cloak and dagger. he'd been disguised as Scout.

he'd never thought that sneaking into the RED base would be so easy.

he'd passed by the RED Demoman with ease, giving him a small wave. with each step he took-he could feel his heart pounding harder and harder in his chest.

he'd managed to make it halfway across the base when-BAM!

a very loud shot rang out from the base, and Daniel fell over, dead. a large, bleeding hole left in his chest.

"take it like a man, shorty!"

[majorproblems77]

@unexpectedstormy You first!

This was fun to write! Thanks for the idea!

A03 if you'd prefer!

One of many reasons Sky hates dungeons

Sky hated dungeons

They were always, always underground.

What was up with that anyway? So dark, damp and the air was unnecessarily dry. He hated it, with all his being. Give him a sky temple any day.

Apart from Sky Keep. Not sky keep.

The chain had found themselves in a dungeon. A portal had flung them directly inside its depths, as much to the group's surprise it was one that none of them had encountered.

Which made exploring it all the more difficult.

They came across a large room, rotting wooden doors scattered the walls as the sound of dripping water landing from the ceiling echoed through the chamber. It was dark, the light from Legends lantern at the front of the group sending shadows dancing across the walls as the flame inside licked and danced.

Drip Drip Drip

“Well? Anything?” Wind walked over to Legend, sword raised.

“Nothing. It all looks the same. It’s making me uneasy…” The vet’s trained eyes scanned the walls for anything that could be used as a clue. Finding nothing he turned to the group.

“Any suggestions?”

“Unfortunately, my only suggestion is to find a map.” Time looked around, the shadows of the group stretching up the walls as legend put the lantern down on the floor. Increasing its brightness as he tapped a leg with his finger.

“You are ever so helpful, Old man.” The vet chided pointing a finger towards the hero in question.

A small set of laughter erupted, but it soon died down again. The atmosphere weighing heavy on them. It was almost oppressive in its nature.

The darkness encroaching, smothering them.

The sound of breaths caught Sky’s attention.

They were long, laboured breaths, coming from somewhere. It sounded off against one of the walls. Pulling out the Master sword she shone with a bright light.

“What about you sky? Any…” The question was cut off. As eight pairs of eyes watched as the chosen slowly inched his way to one of the pillars.

“Sky?”

The mixed hues of blue and orange filled the room. As he approached the dark corner. He couldn’t see round it but the laboured breaths got louder as he approached.

He could feel his heart beating in his chest

Thud thud thud

He turned the corner waving the sword in front of him. At first, he saw nothing. And almost turned away. Must be the shadows playing tricks on him.

Until a large bandaged hand grabbed him.

He felt the constricting grip on whatever it was that had grabbed him encase his throat and close off his airways. He struggled to breathe. He kicked and flailed as a strangled scream escaped his lips. The master sword clattering to the ground.

Yells erupted form somewhere behind him as swords were raised and a battle started.

Someone shouted “PO.” What ever that was. He had more pressing matters.

Piercing red eyes grabbed his attention, a flash of light burnt into his body. An icy feeling encased his veins as his arms and legs dropped lifelessly.

He couldn’t move. His limbs wouldn’t obey his mind's commands.

So he hung, lifelessly to all those around him. Staring into beady red eyes that swirled with a black mist.

Black blooded… Great.

The monster grabbed his face. Allowing him to see as it pulled him into itself. Encasing the paralysed hero in its arms.

Then he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. It gripped and dug into it as his vision flashed. Where there was Ice now there was fire as pain burned through him. He saw flashes of something. It was nothing at first. Simply a trick. Then as the pain got worse and the fire spread his vision flashed white and red.

He could hear a bell. The chimes of the watchers…

They were coming for him.

Suddenly he felt himself fall to the ground with a loud thud. Fire rushed past his face and burned into the creature that had grabbed him. Sending it to ash around him.

He felt hands on his shoulders as someone tapped his face.

“sky… Sky?” Royal blue fluttered into his vision as warriors knelt down in front of him.

“Sky buddy, hey come back, whatever you saw wasn’t real.” Legend knelt beside the captain, waving a hand in front of his eyes as the captain inspected something on his shoulder.

“The redead was real!” Wind yelled.

“Not helping! Someone give me a potion!” Warriors held out a hand expectantly and someone dropped a potion into it.

“You’ll need this. Drink up.”  

The potion was poured down his throat slowly and he finally felt his body able to move once again. He sat upright properly. Blinking away the remnants of the white dots in his vision.

“Next time. Tell me about the horrifying monsters before one grabs me.” He said as he was offered a hand up.

“Sorry, Sky. I thought everyone knew about them.” Legend sounded genuinely apologetic, shrugging his shoulders as he looked for his lantern, abandoned on the floor several feet from where he had originally put it down.

“Guys! One of the Po’s opened up a passageway. I think it’s a way forward!” Wild yelled from one of the corners of the room, the dark passage behind the champion only slightly illuminated by the lantern light.

“Wonderful. Let's move guys!”

Legend picked up his lantern and walked forward. Inspecting the doorframe for a moment before stepping through. The others followed. Sky included.

Now holding his sail cloth a little closer to him than before.

[ossifer]

for the angst/fluff prompts: amberfield #74?

no beta we die like rachel amber (don't worry she doesn't die in this)

There’s a surreal moment where Max can’t quite recognise the girl who answers the door. She looks like Rachel, but there’s so many little things that are off. Weight on her shoulders that’s not normally present, dishevelled clothes, the dull appearance of her eyes, her tousled hair. A portrait of unhappiness.

“Rachel?”

Her features soften as her eyes focus on Max, though her smile still doesn’t light up her face like it usually does, and she greets her with a small voice. “Hey.”

Max deliberates, unsure of what to do next. She wants to ask how Rachel is, why she looks so worn, whether there’s anything she could do to help. But she knows how Rachel is. How she’d sooner push people away than risk being seen like this. Giving her the opportunity to deflect, to respond with a simple ‘I’m fine’, would be a mistake.

“Can I come in?” She asks.

It feels strange being so direct, being the one to knock and the one to ask to be invited in. The initiator instead of the observer. It’s a side of herself Rachel always coaxes out, usually with kind words or her infectious impulsiveness, yet what summons it now is Max’s own concern.

Rachel eyes Max curiously, her smile briefly tarnished by the passing shadow of a frown. There’s an uncomfortable beat where Max doesn’t know quite what to think, whether she’s crossed a line or if there’s something else going on that she’s unaware of. The early days with Rachel were always like that, full of anxious uncertainty and giddy energy in equal measure, but now the feeling is disquieting. What was once a given now feels alien.

“Yeah?” Rachel says, the smile back on her face. “Of course you can. When have I ever asked your permission before barging in before?”

Max laughs as she walks in the door, recalling every time Rachel took an unlocked door as an invitation. It may have bothered her if Rachel hadn’t always timed her visits conveniently, and the fact she usually heralded them with a text that’d hint at her later appearance. The first couple of times it definitely caught her off guard. But, with time, they settled into a rhythm they’re both comfortable with.

She sits herself on the chair by Rachel’s desk as Rachel herself takes the bed, crossing her legs underneath her and placing her chin on her palm and framing herself in the fading evening light just so. It’d make for a great picture, but Max knows this isn’t the time to be carrying her camera.

“So. What’s up, Max?”

“I was gonna ask you the same time.”

“Hm.” Rachel raises her eyebrows and grins sardonically, her mouth twisting as if she can taste something bitter. “I really look that bad, huh?”

Max bites the inside of her cheek, not knowing what to say, and Rachel clearly notices. She dismisses Max with a wave of her hand.

“God, you’re sweet.” Her grin returns. It’s a bit brighter this time, yet brittle. “Don’t worry, rhetorical question. It’s why I’m holed up in my room.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, and Max notices that her earring isn’t there. “You’re the first person I’ve seen today.”

The earring Chloe made for her.

“Kinda glad about that too,” Rachel continues. “You’re, you know, the only person who gets the… situation.”

Hazel eyes fall away from Max as Rachel speaks, her gaze landing on some point on the floor. It’s painful to see her this despondent. The constant sense of motion Max knows her by is nowhere to be seen.

She pushes around the block in her throat and finally speaks the words that’ve been on her mind since she knocked on Rachel’s door. “You two still aren’t talking, are you?”

Rachel nods, staring into the distance. She glances up at Max again and looks at her for a beat, silent, eyes darting around her face, before finally speaking again. “Can you come here a sec? I’m not gonna be able to do this properly while you’re sat there.”

She stretches her legs out and lies back on the bed, half of her body gracelessly hanging off it, falling in such a way that there’s enough room at her side for Max herself to fit. She pats the vacant space. Her invitation hangs in the air as Max chews on her lip, wondering where this is going.

After some hesitation, she gets up and obliges Rachel’s request. It’s a bit cramped, but she manages to position herself in such a way that she can lounge comfortably next to Rachel. They both stare at the ceiling for what feels like an eternity.

The proximity is nice. They’re not skin to skin, but they’re about half the way there, and it’s strangely comfortable. Just the two of them, quietly resting together as they wait for the other to speak. Max listens to the gentle sound of Rachel’s breathing and the beat of her heart picks up in anticipation every time she hears it halting or wavering, simultaneously desperate for the lull in conversation to be over and wishing this moment could stretch on for a bit longer.

“She, Chloe, she told me that—uh, that she needs space. Before we can be friends again. Which, you know, that’s fair. I can accept that.” Rachel pauses and lets out a lengthy sigh. “But there’s this shitty part of me that just doesn’t think that’s fair and wants her to explode and just get all the shit out in the open like how it always used to go when we argued, like ripping the band-aid off? Like, I know how she is, I know that there’s probably so much she hasn’t told me—“

Max’s jaw tightens as she thinks about all the talks her and Chloe have had over the last few days. All the ways Rachel hurt her, and how she thinks she hurt Rachel, and the maelstrom of feelings in her mind both good and bad. She’s in a weird place, being friends with them both at a time like this, when they’re not talking, because it means she gets to hear the way they talk about each other when they’re not together. Everything is so messy.

“—but I also know that her not doing that, her distancing and not losing it on me, that’s a good thing. For us both. It means she gets to think about what she wants to say and I have time to think about what she’s already said to me so far.” Rachel’s breathless voice tapers off into a strained sound toward the end. She huffs, a sound halfway between a bitter laugh and a quiet sob, before drawing in a shaky breath. “And I just, I fucking freaked earlier because I realised how scared I am that this is gonna be how I lose her. Because we’ve never done this, we’ve always just fucking lost it and said so much hurtful shit and then made up about it afterwards, and it’s also making me question how I managed to get us to the point where us having screaming matches instead of just talking is somehow okay. Because it’s not.”

Max shifts, uncomfortable, not knowing how to proceed. She doesn’t want to act like Rachel hasn’t done anything wrong… But she also doesn’t want to hear Rachel beat herself up any more. No fresh words come to her mind and she doubts that she’d be able to talk around the anxiety choking her even if she did have something to say, so instead she falls back on using Rachel’s own language: touch.

She blindly feels for Rachel’s hand and when she finds it, she holds it tightly in her own. Out of the corner of her eye she can see Rachel glance at her. She hopes the weak smile she spies on Rachel’s face before she looks away again isn’t just a trick of the light. Her hand is warm in Max’s. When she lightly squeezes it, Rachel squeezes back.

It’s then that Rachel speaks again, voice low and steadier than before. “Am I a bad person?”

“No,” Max replies. She feels more sure about that than anything else she’s said tonight. As she rubs her thumb over Rachel’s hand, she focuses on the texture of her skin instead of the chaos in her own mind as she tries to think of the right words to say. “No one is perfect. We all fuck up, sometimes, but that doesn’t make us bad people.”

Another squeeze. “But we both know I hurt her. And she’s still hurting now.”

“If you were a bad person you wouldn’t be so upset about that.”

Rachel hums. “…I guess.”

“I know.”

“Do you think we can move past this? I, I know we’re not gonna get back to how things were before. But…” She clears her throat, sniffling a bit. “I don’t care. I just, I don’t want to lose her.”

Max thinks about everything Chloe’s said: all those words full of pain, bitterness, and love. Everything she’s said about Rachel has had something strong behind it, whether it be positive or negative. She knows that Chloe’s not the type to just give up on people. The fact they’re friends now, even after her five year stint in Seattle, is proof of that.

“I think it’ll take time. More time than you’re used to,” Max says. She turns to look at Rachel. “But you two will. Neither of you are going to give up on each other. Chloe doesn’t hate you, she’s just… really pissed. Hurting.”

Rachel sighs as she rolls onto her side to look at Max. Her eyes are red-rimmed and glistening. Max can see the twin wet tracks left by her tears. When she smiles it’s like all that vanishes for a fleeting moment, and the sight warms Max’s heart. “I hope you’re right.”

They lie like that for a while, looking at each other, before Rachel reaches across Max—without letting go of her hand—and grabs her phone to check the time. “It’s seven.”

Max blinks. “Right, um, I should get back to my room.“

“Can you sleep here tonight?” Rachel asks. She adds, “If you want to, I mean.”

It’s seeing Rachel like she is now, eyes red-rimmed and cheeks lightly flushed, and sounding so uncharacteristically uncertain that makes Max pay no heed to the voice in her mind reminding her about the essay she has due tomorrow for Ms. Grant and instead say—

“Yeah. I’d be happy to.”

[elementaldoughnut12]

"You're My Brother Now"

*Contains smoking and general fluff*

*This is my first ever sibling fic so be nice!*

“Damn, thought I had that match in the bag” Mox says as he lights up a cigarette in the parking lot. He takes a puff as he looks up at the night sky and sighs. “I love to win belts but I hate to hold on to them” Mox says with a quiet laugh as he takes another puff. “Smoking outside and talking bad about yourself doesn't do anyone good darling” Someone says behind him, causing Mox to jump. “Jesus fuck!” Mox says surprisingly as he turns around to see it's only Toni Storm.

“Save that language for inside the ring!” Toni says as she pulls out a cigarette holder. “Why are you here? Shouldn't you be partying with your girlfriends or whatever?” Mox says as he takes another puff. “Mariah and Mina went to the party house with all the colorful lights and drinking and whatnot” Toni says as she politely sticks her hand out. Mox just smiles as he gives Toni a cigarette and watches as she sticks it in the holder and lights up. 

“You did good tonight Mox” Toni says as she takes a puff. “Really? I don't think I did” Mox says with a sigh as he stubs out his cigarette. “Why do you say that?” Toni says, staring into Mox's eyes. “It's because I got pinned… no use in being fucking happy about it” Mox says as he attempts to pull out another cigarette but is stopped by Toni grabbing his wrist. “Now listen here and listen now Mox” Toni says seriously. Mox nods to her as a signal that he's listening. 

“So you got pinned but who cares!” Toni says dramatically as she releases Mox's wrist. “That Naito fellow is a mysterious man but you took him to his absolute limit! You put your blood and sweat into that match! You showed him that you meant business! You had spunk! You had charisma! You had…” Toni continued. “Moxie?” Mox says with a smirk as Toni gives a smirk of her own. 

“Precisely! So don't ever think that you're less than what you are or I swear that I'll throw my shoe at you so fast it'll make your head spin!” Toni finishes as she takes a big puff and blows the smoke out through her nose like a dragon. Mox was impressed by that and actually felt a bit better. “Please tell me that you didn't miss celebrating your win just to boost my confidence and threaten me?” Mox asks a bit worryingly. 

“Of course not darling! I came out here to check on you since you didn't leave with your pals after your match” Toni says truthfully as she takes one last puff of her cigarette and stubs it out. “Yeah, they usually let me do my own thing after I lose at a pay-per-view and then I come back to the hotel later” Mox says with a shrug. “So your daily ritual after losing an event is to smoke and talk bad about yourself like you're rubbish?” Toni says curiously. 

“That's not all of it” Mox says a bit shamefully. He feels Toni staring straight into him and he sighs. “After I finish smoking… I get extremely pissed off and start punching a wall til my knuckles bleed” Mox confesses, causing Toni to gasp in shock. “Moxley! Are you telling me that you not only talk bad about yourself but also hurt yourself as well?!?!” She asks worryingly as Mox shakes his head yes in response. 

“Well no more of that! Seems to me like your comrades aren't giving you the comfort and support you need! Hence starting right now I'll be the one to do that for them! As of right now you are officially my brother!” Toni says proudly. “Brother? Toni, it's cool that you wanna help me after matches but…” Mox says but is interrupted by Toni. 

“But nothing! I truly want to look out for you like a sister should! It's not only for just after matches either! Anytime you need me just call Luther's talking box and I'll be there to aid you! You can't refuse this either cause remember… I like to throw shoes” Toni says seriously as she stares into Mox's eyes. Mox knew he wasn't gonna win this argument so he just shook his head and smiled. “You know what? Fuck it, beats being alone all the time” he says happily. 

“Excellent! Now anytime I feel defeated I usually go to a place of comfort like a midnight show… Do you have a comfort place Mox?” Toni asks curiously. “Usually I go to diners after matches and I actually know this one a couple blocks from here that would fit your style” Mox says as he looks at Toni's outfit. Toni was currently wearing a black dress with white polka dots and black heels. “Was that a compliment I heard?” Toni says with a cheeky grin. 

“Yeah so what? You ain't gonna do anything about it” Mox says as he gently pushes Toni away. Toni gives off a dramatic gasp and both of them start to laugh. “Lemme call us a taxi” Mox says as he pulls out his phone but is once again stopped by Toni. “Nonsense! I'll just get Luther to drive us there!” Toni says as she blows a whistle, startling Mox. “Jesus fuck!” Mox says surprisingly. “Language!” Toni says with a glare. Mox just sighs as he sees a black limo pull up. 

“Now onward brother!” Toni says confidently as she walks to the limo. “This is gonna be fun” Mox says with a smile and a shake of his head. They both get in the back of the limo and Mox receives a harsh glare from Luther. Mox started to growl which caught Toni's attention. “Luther! Be nice to him! If you don't wanna end up as a vagrant on the street you'll treat him like you treat me understood?” Toni says seriously which surprises Mox. 

Luther sighs and nods his head in agreement. “Wonderful! Now, where to brother?” Toni asks excitedly. “Tim's Diner on 25th street” Mox says while smiling at Toni's enthusiasm. Luther just grunts as he starts the car and puts the divider up. “I don't think your penguin likes me that much” Mox says with a grin, causing Toni to laugh. “He does look like a penguin doesn't he?” Toni asks through laughter, causing Mox to laugh as well. 

Their fun was interrupted by a ringing sound from the speaker on the console. “Oh lord who could that be?” Toni says, slightly irritated. She presses a button on the console and two familiar (and annoying in Mox's opinion) voices come out the speaker. “Toni! Where are you?” Mariah asks confusingly with a hint of slurring in her tone. “Yeah Toni where are you sweetheart?” Mina asks while loud music plays in the background. 

“I'm going to a comfortable dining establishment with Mox” Toni answers happily as she smiles at Mox, causing him to smile back. “Mox? Why do you wanna hang out with him? He's a pathetic brutish idiot that only thinks with his fist!” Mariah says rudely. “Yeah! He's gross too! I bet he gets a boner everytime he bleeds!” Mina says in agreement, causing both of them to laugh. Mox's smile turns into a frown as he tries to scoot away from Toni and try to make himself as small as possible. 

Toni notices that and gently grabs Mox's hand as a way to comfort him. “You two have the utter nerve to smear his name through the mud! Mox has been a workhorse for this company the moment it began and you two think you're better than him? Well you're utterly mistaken! You don't even deserve to lace his boots, much less talk trash about him! If you two don't start treating my brother with the same respect as me then I'll knock both of you on your sorry asses like the cheap whores you are!” Toni says fiercely as she hangs up. 

“Holy crap Toni, you didn't have to do that for me” Mox says in shock. “Yes I did because nobody deserves to be treated like they're garbage! Especially you!” Toni says truthfully. Usually when people talk shit about him he just beats the shit out of them but it feels nice knowing someone actually would want to defend him. Without warning Mox gives Toni a bear hug, causing her to make a surprise squeak. “Thanks sis” Mox says genuinely with a smile on his face. 

“You're welcome brother and I'm glad you're fitting your role perfectly!” Toni says happily as she returns the hug. They hear the car make a complete stop and Mox looks out the window. “Hell yeah we're here!” He says excitedly as he practically jumps out the car and does a barrel roll. “Was the stunt routine really necessary?” Toni asks with a laugh. “Hey if you're gonna be my sister then you're gonna see me do a lot of weird stuff” Mox says with a smile, causing Toni to laugh again. 

“Oh believe me when I tell you I've seen weirder things than that!” Toni says as she gets out of the car. Mox lets out a little laugh as they walk into the diner. Toni looks around and sees that it's a small little place with a jukebox in the corner and even an old ice cream station. “You just gonna stare into space or are ya gonna sit down?” Mox asks, snapping Toni out of her thoughts. “I wasn't distracted! I was just… admiring the scenery” Toni says embarrassingly with a blush as she walks to the booth where Mox is at.

“Whatever you say sis” Mox says with a smirk as they both sit down and look at the menus. “Mox? Is that you?” The waitress asks sweetly as she walks over with a notepad. She was an older lady with her brunette hair up in a bun with black rimmed glasses and an unlit cigarette behind her ear. “Miss Amanda!” Mox says happily as he gives the woman a hug and sits back down. “It's about time you came back to New York for some grub! I was starting to think you didn't wanna see me anymore” Miss Amanda says with her arms crossed. 

“I'd rather eat dirt than stop coming here” Mox says truthfully, causing Toni to giggle. “This a friend of yours Mox? I know it ain't a girlfriend considering you like sausage more than eggs” Miss Amanda says jokingly, causing Mox to blush embarrassingly. “Oh yeah, this is my new sister Toni Storm. This is her first time being here. Plus she's a famous movie star” Mox explains, causing Miss Amanda to gasp in shock. 

“Really? Well, anyone who's on Mox's good side is a friend of mine! Now what do yall both like tonight?” Miss Amanda asks happily with her notepad ready. “I'll have the usual with apple juice. What about you sis?” Mox asks casually as he starts to bite his fingers. “I'll have the blueberry pancakes with the same beverage he's having darling” Toni says nicely as she leans over and takes Mox's fingers from his mouth. 

“Coming right up! Make sure you watch him because he likes to throw things” Miss Amanda says, causing Mox to blush with embarrassment. “Miss Amanda!” Mox says embarrassingly, causing the waitress to laugh as she walks away. “She really seems to like you doesn't she?” Toni asks curiously. 

“Yeah, before she moved here I used to come to the diner in Cincinnati after school when my mom took extra shifts at her job. She helped me with my homework and even let me bring dinner home sometimes when my mom was too tired to cook. I see her as family so anytime I come to New York I come here to see her” Mox explains with a small smile on his face as he taps his fingers on the table. “You seem to gain new family members everywhere you go, Mox!” Toni says jokingly. 

“Remind me who came up to who and automatically adopted them? Plus if we're gonna be siblings then call me Jon cause I don't mind if you do” Mox says as he casually tries to make origami out of a napkin. “I love how you fit your role the moment you get presented one! Have you ever been an actor before?” Toni asks curiously as she looks at Mox. “Actually yes I have. I starred as a cop in an action movie a couple years back.” Mox says proudly, causing Toni to give a dramatic gasp. 

“You're joking! You were actually in a film?” Toni asks excitedly as she bounces a bit in her seat. “Yeah, we can watch it together at my house the next time we have a show in Ohio” Mox says happily, smiling at Toni's excitement. “I may just take you up on that Jon!” Toni says happily as Miss Amanda comes back with their food and drinks. “Hope y'all enjoy!” She says happily as she walks away. 

“Never would've thought of you as a breakfast for dinner type of person Toni” Mox says as he eats a piece of his pancakes. “It's my favorite thing to do! I haven't done it lately cause Mariah and Mina say I have to watch my figure” Toni says a bit sadly as she eats her food. “Seems to me that Toni isn't the leading lady of her relationship” Mox thought as he attempted to think of something to cheer up his sister. 

With a devilish smile, he wads up his straw paper and flicks it straight at Toni's face. Toni nearly chokes and glares at Mox. “Did you just throw something at me?!?” Toni says in shock. “Maybe I did or maybe I didn't” Mox says while sticking his tongue out at her. “Two can play that game mister!” Toni says as she puts some whipped cream on her fork and flings it right at Mox's face. 

“Jokes on you cause I love cream on my face!” Mox says as he wipes the cream off his face and licks his hand clean. This caused both of them to laugh. After they finished their meals and Mox paid the bill (he refused for Toni to pay it cause he's a good big brother in his opinion) they drove back to the hotel. “I had an extraordinary night with you Jon!” Toni says happily as they stand outside their respective rooms. 

“I thought I'd never have this much fun after a pay-per-view” Mox says truthfully. “Me neither but that's what siblings do right?” Toni asks with a happy smile. Mox thought his heart was gonna melt at seeing her smile. “Yeah, that's what siblings do. They have fun, cause mayhem and bail the other out of prison. Also I made you a little something” Mox says as he hands Toni the origami rose he made at the diner. 

“As a way of saying thanks for hanging out with me tonight and making me feel less alone” Mox says genuinely. Without warning, Toni hugged Mox with all the strength she had. “I'm glad I get to have you as a brother now because I don't feel alone either… love you brother” Toni says with love. Mox felt tears brim at his eyes as he returned the hug. “Love you too sis” Mox says back. “My number is on the bottom if you ever need to call me” he continues as they break apart. 

“Will do! Well looks like I gotta go in my room and wait for Mariah and Mina to come back so I'll call you in the morning! Ciao brother!” Toni says happily as she walks into her room and shuts the door. Mox just laughs as he goes into his room. “Toni Storm as my sister? Shit, what an interesting way to celebrate a pay-per-view loss” Mox says to himself as he gets dressed for the night and goes to sleep.

[intcritus]

[LAST LOOK]: before going into a situation that may result in their death, the sender takes a moment to cup the unaware receiver's face in their hand, just to take a final look of admiration at them before they go. // Emon @ Vega on Aaphrine's last moments.

Vega had always heard that life came and went quickly, that the moment he was needed, he would know. The necromancer thought that was a crack of shit. People didn’t want or need him ( there were exceptions ) and they damn sure didn’t want to need him unless they needed his magic, the filthy thing that ate bone marrow like the parasite it was. But they barely spared him a fearful and disdainful glance before scurrying away like rodents.

And that was fine ( it wasn’t ) and he learned to live with it. It meant he was free to do as he pleased and no one in their right mind approached him, they let him be and he was left alone to explore the world, seeing just how tales of the infamous Vega had spread. Even this far into his travels, Aaphrine herself didn’t really need him, it surely couldn’t contain who Vega had become, because the more he traveled, the more powerful he became. There were no restrictions on him, he grew and grew until magic itself surged, living just at the edges of his skin. 

Lifting the canteen of water to his mouth, he took a long drink, easing his parched throat. He hadn’t been to sleep – there’d been a sense of foreboding that had him restless. Emon had told him about the sponsors, how they had been moving shifty, like they had something going on that had to do with the fate of this world. Sponsors were important ( he supposed ) , the ones who treated the people of Aaphrine like entertainment. They knew better to bother Vega, because it wasn’t Vega who would answer, but Azriel. And he had sent a strong message the last time they had bothered. 

Sweeping his hair off his forehead, pale gaze perused his land, while dark, there’s patches of stubborn greenery that grew, lush and vibrant as though it thrived in these conditions. It made the necromancer want to smile, so he watered it with the water in his canteen, figuring why not help it along.

Something in his chest grows heavy, and it draws his gaze, sweeping around his chest and the presence of magic sweeps through the undead lands, silver and bright, bouncing along invisible steps. Emon. Any trace of exhaustion evaporates at the sight of his magic, the feel of it brushing along his own. Azriel. How long had it been since Emon had spoken his name ? Just what was happening that his friend would utter his name ? When he knew it would invoke him ? 

There’s no time to think further, with his scythe in hand, his body disappears within shadows, materializing by Emon’s side just as his knees buckle and send him falling. Azriel turns his gaze down to his friend, curse sizzling past his lips as he realizes mana reflux had struck his best friend. Damn idiot. Dark green encompasses his friend’s body, healing his hurts and restoring both his energy and magic with the necromancer’s. It was a bit of magic he discovered early on. Would it drain him ? Sure, but he was brimming with magic, he could expend it. 

Shaking hands cup his face, and his sole attention is on the mage’s face, taking in the exhaustion and relief there. Just what in the hell – ? Emon staggers to his feet after being right and jumps right back into whatever Azriel had been summoned into. 

It was a mess of a battlefield. Zackery’s sword was mid-swing as pale gaze zeroes in on the Hero, glimmering stars sharp as the sword cuts down one of the Sponsors present. Morbidly, it’s like a hot knife through butter, their innards spilling as their split body falls apart. These people meant something to Emon, they were other heroes, those who worked with their mage, who had fought together and for that alone, they did not deserve his ire and he meets Zack’s gaze briefly before the necromancer gazes down disinterestedly at the body that been cut by that blade. A work of art surely. But Emon was nuts

Heroes. You’ve become a nuisance. 

The voice crackled across the open air, the sky distorting before them and some self-aggrandizing being made themselves known. Was this the creator of this world ? Had they finally had enough of pulling the strings ? Had this journeying party of Heroes disrupted each and every plan and plot ? A smirk blossoms across Azriel’s features, excitement thrumming beneath his skin.

And who is he if not a chaotic necromancer who jumps into the battle because this is not something a sword will solve, no this is magic and a battle of willpower. And so he and Emon against this God, the creator who threw everything at them, who cursed upon their names and fought back, like a morbid tug of war but Azriel was no hero, he wasn’t just a mage and he damn sure wasn’t fighting for himself. 

Maybe it’s because they’ve known each other so long, that their magic compliments one another’s, the way it surges together, like twin flames and there’s nothing to combat it. It’s a foolish mistake this God makes to face them both, in a rage, because neither mage lets up, not even when they have advantage because the tides could turn at either at any second.

A blast of power knocks them both back and Azriel is there with a crazed grin to keep him standing, and his hand reaches out to the fallen body of the Sponsor, lashes fluttering as he called upon the very essence of his power, not as Vega, but as the man-made Calamity he had become. It fought him, but it was no match for a necromancer who had pervaded his craft and so with a rip, the  Sponsor was his to command, it’s body whole and where it’s body had been, a pile of bones lay, crumbling with the wind and in it’s place was sad Sponsor, but flickering like Jekyll & Hyde, a split frankenstein undead and oh, the power emitting from this particular summon didn’t need it’s master to attack right away and so the battle renewed.  

Ten minutes, twenty ? An hour? Azriel doesn’t keep track but there’s a moment that moves slow, where he can see Emon take a hit, his magic colliding with the God and can see the trace of blood that stains the mage’s lips and rages roars through him and kicks off his summon, jumping into the air above the towering, powerful god and with a dark look, his scythe slices down, powered by both his magic and Emon’s and it’s met with a shield, one that cracks because Azriel is out for blood, and death and he’ll have it.

The blade of his scythe is tipped with black, the magic swirling and condensing and the necromancer twirls it away before bringing it back down with a booming laugh, but there’s a moment of quiet, abrupt and surprised as the scythe cuts through the shield and inevitably the God in question, from the hollow of their throat to the hip. Suspending in mid-air, no one speaks, disconcerted and perplexed and surprised. Nothing moves. Then the crackles of magic that spreads, something ancient and forbidden eating from inside out. Faintly, he can hear the horrified whisper of his name, then there’s a boom and a bright light, error codes flashing behind his lids and he crosses his arms over his face. Had he and Emon really killed a God ? And was this the last time they fought together ? 

His body feels like it disintegrates, torn apart and put back together again and he isn’t sure what happens but after a long moment, he ends up in damp grass, blood bubbling in his throat and staring blearily at unfamiliar stars. He’d never encountered something so exhilarating and heart-pounding.

A wet cackle leaves him and he turns on his side, his ribs protesting. His senses reach out tentatively, brows coming to furrow as he hears, well, everything. Where the fuck– ? A rustle of clothing has him reaching for his magic but he refrains for a moment to realize Emon is not far from him. Crawling through the grass, he comes across his best friend’s prone body, covered in bruises and scratches and with the last reserves of his magic, he puts the mage into a protective stasis, before slumping down into the grass, letting the exhaustion take him under. Atleast Emon was safe…they were both due for a nap….

aaphrine has seen the last of these two friends. / @nvrcmplt

[adrianbutme]

Y/N Slander

I want to start by saying I'm not here to hate on anyone's writing.

I was watching a Y/N slander compilation and one of the problems that most people had, aside from the characters' personalities being cringe and unrealistic bodies, was the lack of variety. I saw how people were talking about how Y/N always seemed to be a blue eyed blonde, and it gave an idea. What if Y/N had an interaction that went like this:

As I stared at him with my deep blue orbs, he kept glancing at me and quickly looking away. I could tell he liked me by the way he would nervously scoot away from me when I leaned closer to him. He opened his mouth, I was desperately awaiting what his deep baritone would say, and his rich voice came ringing out. "Like, can you stop? We're literally in a public library and I'm just trying to study, but you keep staring at me with you and your creepy eyes like a weirdo." When he finished speaking, I knew he was just put up a bad boy persona, and that was really sweet underneath all that. I knew he was just putting up this barrier to hide his relationship with his father from me. "Is this about your dad?" I said. He got up and left quickly, mentioning something about having a test tomorrow and how both his moms will be worried if doesn't get home soon.

[villain-filled-writing]

Escape plans

Inspiration came from this prompt by the lovely @blueberryscones158 ! I hope you enjoy~

—————-

The Villain panted as they ran across the rooftops of various buildings, their legs feeling like lead and starting to go numb as they continued to run as fast as they could. Even though they’ve only been running for a good minute, they were already feeling immensely tired and their vision was starting to blur at the corners. Who knew jumping from building to building could exert someone so much, so fast.

As they continued to run, their body begged for them to stop and rest, and for a moment Villain couldn’t really remember why they were running in the first place, not until…

“GET BACK HERE!!”

“VILLAIN!!”

“YOU WONT ESCAPE US!”

The voices of their pursuers reminded them why they were running. They were trying to escape their clutches and avoid being sent to a prison cell.

Originally, Villain had already planned an escape route for if the heroes were to appear mid heist, however they failed to acknowledge the fact that the whole hero team would go after them. For some unknown reason, they believed only two of the five members would appear.

Such a foolish thought to believe.

As Villain continues to run, they kept their eyes forward at all times, not once bothering to look back to see how far the hero team was. Right when the villain was preparing to jump to the next rooftop, the leader of the hero team blocked their path by floating up in front of them, arms open in case villain still decided to jump. Villain cursed under their breath as they stopped dead in their track, but only for a brief second before they quickly jumped down and into the alleyway, effectively scaring a few homeless people that were huddled close to an open fire.

Before villain could leave the area, the leader quickly flew down and blocked their only way out. “You’re trapped. Surrender now Villain and we wont hurt you.” Their voice boomed loud in the small space that was the alleyway. The villain swore under their breath again as they watched the rest of the hero team appear around their leader, effectively cornering them.

“And if I… don’t surrender? What then?” Villain asked in between labored breaths, “Will you beat me up until I submit? Or until I pass out and then drag my corpse to the jail yourselves?” They spit the words out angrily, tone laced with venom and nothing else but pure hatred for the heroes standing before them. “We won’t beat you unconscious, but we will fight you until you tire yourself out.” Leader said as they summoned their magic to their hands.

The leader was the first to start their slow approach towards Villain, their team following close behind them afterwards. Villain started to back up before quickly surveying the area around them, trying desperately to find a way out. Their eyes landed on the open fire that was only a small distance away from them and instantly an idea sprang up in their mind. “You can’t fight me, you won’t win.” Villain says as they reach into their pocket, “What makes you so sure?” Leader says as they tensed up, prepared for whatever villain unleashed.

“I mean, how can you fight me when you’re all blind?”

At that moment, Villain quickly pulled out a few slivers of magnesium they had on their person and threw them into the open fire. Almost instantly the magnesium caught on fire and created a large blinding white light. The heroes gasped and quickly tried to cover their eyes but were too late. “Fuck! VILLAIN!!” The leader bellowed angrily as they desperately tried to regain their vision. Unfortunately for Villain, they weren’t spared from the blinding light either and were using the walls of the alleyway to get out and away from the heroes.

Once they had managed to make it back to their lair, they concluded that next time they would prepare an escape plan in case all five heroes decided to go after them again.

They also concluded that they would NEVER carry magnesium on them again, not unless they had a way to avoid the blinding light it created when aflame.

.

.

.

Wow, I think this is the longest piece I’ve written in awhile! I’m actually really proud of this! I hope you guys like it as much as I do and hopefully I’ll be writing pieces like this more often! Feel free to send me suggestions or tag me in prompts you want to see me expand upon!

[pokege-ne-project]

[Screen reader friendly version of this story can be found here.]

/home $ SFTP 235.234.31.331 -u jeannef

CONNECTING TO 253.254.31.331........... OK

Password: ********

WELCOME BACK jeannef! LAST LOGIN: 5,555 DAYS AGO.

235.234.31.331@jeannef $ how did that still work... right. sorry. please continue.

235.234.31.331@jeannef $ mget *

RETRIEVE ALL FILES AND FOLDERS? (Y/N) : Y

DOWNLOADING............................... OK

235.234.31.331@jeannef $ put C:\Temp\payloader.exe

UPLOADING............ OK

235.234.31.331@jeannef $ remoteAct payloader.exe -wipe -escalate -u ITADMIN -p 'Magikarp1'

--- PAYLOADER ACTIVATED ---

DESTROYING ALL DATA. LOGGING OUT NOW.

/home $

/home $ just like that, then? will you run into any trouble?

/home $ They're still trying to repair the damage from the fire. Mind if you double-check if the copy worked? Like pull up a random file or something. I'll type the first part out, just think of anything familiar.

/home $ alright...

/home $ open files/profiles/archived/jeannef/Documents/notes_1229XXXX.rtf

----------------------------

jeannef @ 14:16

Thinking about the disappearance of Project #048 again. I hope they're doing okay, wherever they are. Maybe they ended up in the world. Of course, no evidence for this hypothesis.

I sometimes question if what I'm doing is ultimately helpful to anything. I doubt I'm the only one, but it's lonely feeling like this.

----------------------------

/home $ ah. was thinking of a different file.

/home $ admittedly, i thought this was deleted. careless of me.

/home $ Uh.. by the way, thanks.

/home $ what for?

/home $ With everything so far. Even if I know how this place is structured, I wouldn't get this far without you. I mean it.

/home $ Unrelated, I'm sorry for what happened. To you, I mean.

/home $ no apology needed, you were only a child, after all. maybe this nightmare will end soon enough.

/home $ Here's hoping.